Bell & Ross BR-05 Chrono Grey Steel & GoldvsBrew Retrograph

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Bell & Ross BR-05 Chrono Grey Steel & Gold at true scale

BR-05 Chrono Grey Steel & Gold

Brew Retrograph at true scale

Retrograph

Diameter

42mm

38mm

Lug-to-Lug

n/a

41.5mm

Thickness

14.3mm

10.4mm

lowest

Water Resistance

100m

highest

50m

Power Reserve

60h

n/a

MSRP

$15,336

$375

lowest

Movement

Bell & Ross BR-CAL.326

Seiko VK64

Case

8 specs
Diameter
42mm
38mm
Thickness
14.25mm
10.4mm
Lug-to-Lug
n/a
41.5mm
Lug Width
24mm
22mm
Material
Rose Gold
Stainless Steel 316L
Finish
n/a
n/a
Water Resistance
100m
50m
Caseback
n/a
Stainless Steel 316L

Crystal & Dial

5 specs
Crystal Shape
n/a
n/a
AR Coating
Underside
n/a
Dial Color
White
Cobalt Blue Sunburst
Indices
Applied indices
n/a
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

6 specs
Caliber
Bell & Ross BR-CAL.326
Seiko VK64
Type
Automatic
Meca-Quartz
Beat Rate
n/a
0 vph
Power Reserve
60 hoursh
0h
Jewels
n/a
0
Complications
Hours/Minutes, Seconds, Date, Chronograph
Chronograph

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$15,336
$375
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Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Bell & Ross BR-05 Chrono Grey Steel & Gold

Owners praise the Bell & Ross BR-05 Chrono Grey Steel & Gold's handsome design and comfortable wear, noting its beautiful dial and blend of heritage with modern appeal. However, both owners and reviewers flag the price as a significant letdown, with many suggesting better value is available elsewhere, particularly considering the movement. On balance, owners and reviewers find the Bell & Ross BR-05 Chrono Grey Steel & Gold to be a good-looking watch, but its value proposition is a point of contention.

From video reviewers

The blend of brushed and polished finishes on the case and integrated bracelet is a cited strength. Reviewers noted its substantial 14.8mm thickness as a potential wearability concern. Opinions on the watch's originality were divided.

Brew Retrograph

The Brew Retrograph is widely praised for its unique design and comfortable wearability, with owners highlighting its well-finished rectangular case featuring alternating polishing and brushing, and its sunburst dials. The Seiko VK64 meca-quartz movement is considered solid and appropriate for the price, offering an instantaneous chronograph reset and quartz accuracy, though the date change is not instant and some units may have a misaligned chronograph hand. Owners note the 38mm case size is versatile and comfortable, suitable for formal occasions and daily wear, and appreciate the sapphire crystal. However, some sources mention poor lume and the strap could benefit from design and material improvements. Overall, owners rate the Brew Retrograph highly for its distinctive aesthetic and comfortable 38mm wearability at an accessible price point.

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